Real Estate features

‘Live United’ campaign raises $1,031,109

July 25, 2013

WAILUKU - With the generous help and support of the local community, Maui United Way (MUW) raised a total of $1,031,109 this year, which will go toward 40 health and human services programs in Maui County.

The successful campaign was made possible as a result of over 350 businesses and individuals who provided their time and money in order to ensure that the needs of fellow community members were fulfilled.

Outgoing Board President Curtis Tom shared, "Thanks to the exceptional generosity of our donors and partners, 75,631 services were offered to those in need over the last year."

Article Photos

Maui United Way’s officers for 2013-14 were installed at the annual meeting.

Maui United Way received 57 applications for partnership and funding this year. As a result, MUW has grown its partnership with seven new agencies, including Book Trust, Boys & Girls Club, Lahaina Arts Association, Paia Youth & Cultural Center, Parents & Children Together, People Attentive to Children and Special Olympics of Hawaii, Maui County.

MUW's funding targets programs primarily focusing on their impact areas of education, income and health.

"This was the most competitive funding cycle I've seen in over ten years. With only a third of the overall requests to give out, our allocation committee had the tough task of evaluating vital needs to ensure our funding went where it was needed most," stated President and CPO Laksmi Abraham.

Maui United Way's far-reaching impact can be seen by simply looking at the numbers.

This past year alone, shelter and security was provided to about 250 women and children who were victims of domestic violence, 11,173 people in need were provided with food boxes, and 13,901 individuals were made aware of the dangers of meth use.

Recently, Maui United Way held its 44th Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon, at which a dozen Mahalo Awards were given to outstanding businesses, agencies and individuals who have clearly contributed to MUW's mission of empowering our community.

The award winners and their categories are as follows: Corporate Contributor of the Year, Alexander & Baldwin Inc.; Campaign of the Year, Maui Electric Company; Community Champion of the Year, Bendon Family Foundation; Foundation of the Year, Karakin Foundation; Bank of the Year, Bank of Hawaii; Hotel of the Year, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club; Partner Agency of the Year, Habitat for Humanity; Community Partnership of the Year, Maui Mall; Campaign Excellence Awards, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ameron Hawaii, and Goodfellow Brothers Inc.; Outstanding Volunteer Award, Christine Williams.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the Maui United Way," said Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui Electric Company.

Alexander & Baldwin's Grant Chun presented a generous check for $100,000 at this year's event, showing the support of their affiliated companies, including HC&S, A&B Properties, Kahului Trucking and Storage, Maui Brand and McBryde Resources Inc.

Maui United Way depends on the continued support of local businesses and community members to address Maui's most vital needs. With each additional donation, MUW gets one step closer to its goal of creating a better tomorrow.